Anthony Patterson ‘under threat’ at Sunderland after Hull City incident
Anthony Patterson is under increasing pressure at Sunderland, with the shot-stopper said to be “under threat” after what he did in the defeat to Hull.
Sunderland look all but out of the race for a top-two finish after a defeat to Leeds United was followed by the same outcome against Hull City less than a week later.
Patterson, who has recently struggled for Sunderland, was forced to shoulder the blame for two of the three goals across those encounters, with his error directly leading to defeat against the Tigers.
On both occasions, Patterson failed to deal with a cross into the penalty area which has been highlighted as a weakness in his game throughout the season.
Regis Le Bris to axe Patterson v Sheffield Wednesday
If Sunderland are to have any hopes at all of remaining in the race for automatic promotion, a win at Sheffield Wednesday on Friday will be a necessity and Patterson may be dropped for the game.
With eight points currently separating the Mackems and Sheffield United, it seems to be an almost impossible task, but as always with the Championship, stranger things have happened.
However, questions will remain regarding the ability of Patterson to be the number one throughout the period, with Danny Collins suggesting that he could be taken out of the firing line.
| 2024/25 | Appearances | Clean sheets | Saves | Save % | Goals conceded |
| Anthony Patterson | 30 | 11 | 70 | 70.7 | 29 |
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle (24 February), Collins said: “The spotlight’s on him, coming off the back of the goals Leeds scored, balls coming into the six-yard box. Teams are going to have a look at that now, I’m sure Hull looked at it.
“It’s a flat ball that’s whipped near-post. He tries to collect it and gather it in, he gets a glove on it, it goes through his hands and drops into the back of the net. It looks horrible, it is horrible, and it’s cost Sunderland points
“His position is possibly under threat. [Le Bris] may well think I’ll just take him out of the firing line. He is still a young keeper and he might feel I’ll just give him a little break and bring [Simon Moore] in.”
Moore has featured on the odd occasion during this season while playing a crucial role behind the scenes at Sunderland and there is every chance he could be drafted back into the lineup on Friday (28 February).
Sunderland need to win v Sheffield Wednesday
Promotion has to be the aim for Sunderland this season, and should they fail in those attempts, it could have some serious consequences in the summer.
Several players will undoubtedly leave the club to better their careers, leaving plenty of work to be done on the transfer front.
From now until the end of the campaign, Sunderland simply need to pick up form and ensure that they have as strong a finish to the season as possible, starting with their clash away to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of the week.